Robustness represents the initial line of defense against disruptions. It refers to the inherent strength and resistance of a food system to withstand shocks and stressors without experiencing significant functional loss. In essence, it's about building buffers and redundancies into the system. For instance, diverse cropping systems can enhance robustness by reducing reliance on single crops that are vulnerable to pests or diseases. Similarly, robust infrastructure, such as well-maintained irrigation systems and storage facilities, can minimize the impact of extreme weather events. 

 

Examples:

• A region with diverse agricultural practices, utilizing a variety of crops and livestock, is more robust against single-crop failures.

• Strong local food storage facilities and diverse transport networks provide robustness against supply chain disruptions.